Expert Winter Footwear Recommendations from a Podiatrist—Find the Best Footwear to Keep You Stepping Strong All Winter Long!
Just because the weather turns cooler doesn’t mean you lose the pep in your step!
Chicagoans stay active all year round, so we need footwear that supports us in the winter months. We also need to source cold-weather footwear options that keep us safe, warm, and deliver our feet what they need to feel their best.
From wind and rain to ice and snow—Chicago has it all when it comes to winter weather. We need winter footwear that helps us go the distance and keeps us active even when the temperatures plummet.
Thankfully, Dr. Young and the City Step Podiatry team have you covered! Dr. Young rounded up her top winter shoe recommendations to help you pick your perfect pair.
Learn what she looks for in a winter shoe and why, then discover her expert recommendations for brands to check out.
Dr. Young and City Step Podiatry are here to make your Chicago winters comfortable and active!
Podiatrist recommendations for what to look for in a winter shoe
Before we dive into some specific winter footwear brand recommendations, Dr. Young wants to offer you her expert advice on what to look for in a winter shoe.
After all, your needs are vastly different in the winter months than they are in the summer. You want to look for footwear that will support these seasonal needs.
(And be sure to check out our companion blog, all about choosing your best summer footwear styles!)
When selecting options herself or recommending them to her podiatry patients, Dr. Young has several things she looks for in a winter shoe or boot to go the distance.
Her top tips for winter shoe buying include:
Stiffer is better—stiffness isn’t great in your joints, but it is something you want in a winter shoe. You don’t want your winter footwear to bend too much; This can mean it doesn’t offer adequate support for your feet and ankles. Ideally, your winter footwear should bend a bit where the big toe joint sits, but should never bend in half. Support and stiffness are key in your winter footwear!
Bonus tip: you can use similar guidelines when selecting your ideal running footwear. Because you also want running shoes that are strong and supportive.
What about warmth?—when selecting winter boots, it’s important to pay attention to the warmth and insulation rating. This is especially crucial when you live in a cold and snowy environment. You don’t want to find out too late that your new winter boots let the cold in. Knowing their rating and the temperature range they’re designed for will help you choose the perfect pair of winter boots to keep your tootsies warm and toasty all winter long.
Ice, ice, baby—if you live in a place that gets rainy or icy in the winter months, it’s also vital to choose winter boots that offer some type of waterproofing. The warmest boots can only offer so much protection if they let the cold water in. No one wants their toes to transform into icicles during the winter.
Size up—winter boots often go along with winter socks. These socks are typically thicker than your average pair and may require you to go up a half size to a full size in your footwear selection. When shopping in person for winter boots, consider bringing along a thicker pair of socks with you. When shopping online, you can even measure your feet with socks on.
Is that you, Chelsea?—One winter boot style Dr. Young loves is the Chelsea boot. This classic style looks great with everything and offers a bridge between a chic fall style and a full-fledged winter boot. Most have a decent tread to prevent slipping and a low heel for comfort. Choose a quality brand to find a pair that will serve you well and go the distance (more recs on that to come).
Now that you’ve got a podiatrist-approved playbook for what to look for in winter footwear, let’s review some of Dr. Young’s favorite winter shoe brands to streamline and simplify your search.
Winter shoe brand recommendations from a podiatrist
Ever wonder which shoe brands your podiatrist chooses for which seasons?
Dr. Young is pulling back the curtain to share her top winter shoe brands for support, comfort, protection, and style. Because she’s an active Chicagoan, too, Dr. Young wears many of these brands herself.
Her go-to winter footwear brands include:
Sorel
A major name in winter footwear for a long time, Sorel has earned its place at the top of this list.
Their iconic winter boot has been a classic choice for decades for a reason. Why? Because they offer everything Dr. Young told you to look for in a quality winter boot. Warm, waterproof, slip-resistant, and stiff, Sorel’s have stood the test of time with quality construction and smart design.
They’ve also innovated and now offer a wide selection of modern options when it comes to winter footwear styles. But they also keep their signature styles, for those who recognize and appreciate a winter boot that’s a classic.
Merrell
From tall to short, insulated to waterproof—Merrell has a wide selection of winter boot styles to fit every want and need. They’ve become a well-known name in active, performance footwear because of their high-quality construction and durability, and their winter footwear options are no exception.
We especially love their variety of styles and colors, while they continue to offer well-made boots that are insulated, waterproof, and made to keep you comfortable and safe all winter long!
In addition to their comfort, Dr. Young also likes Merrells for their support and durability.
Columbia
This brand is another recognized go-to for winter boot styles that podiatrists love. Dr. Young appreciates this brand for its arch and ankle support, and ample cushioning for comfort, wearability, and durability. Columbia also features many waterproof styles, for all-around winter boots that can help you go the distance and hold up for many winters to come.
Customers and podiatrists alike especially love their Ice Maiden style. It’s also less than $100, making it an affordable option for your winter footwear needs.
With their proprietary cushioning technology, Columbia makes footwear that’s designed for action. They especially focus on creating footwear for hiking, so their designs focus on offering comfort and support for long distances. This approach extends to their winter boot options, which deliver you everything you want in a winter boot, plus lightweight cushioning and support to keep you moving forward all day.
Blundstone
Often billed as the only pair of winter boots you'll ever need to buy, Blundstone has made a major name for itself in the 2020s with its warm, comfortable, durable boots.
Don’t believe the hype? The New York Times even wrote an article about how this brand has redefined the winter footwear game with its styles that are designed for active folks who spend the winters out and about.
The Australian company focuses on winter boots styles that are classic, durable, and cover all your winter footwear wants and needs. They’re especially made for hikers and folks who want to put some miles under their heels during the winter months.
Keen
Keen also made the list for our summer footwear recommendations article, proving they offer a truly well-rounded selection of footwear for all seasons.
For their winter shoe and boot selection, Keen offers many different styles from which to choose. Many of their offerings include podiatrist-loved features like waterproofing, insulation, and grip. Many of Keen’s winter styles also feature heat-trapping technology, designed to hold onto warmth to keep your tootsies toasty.
Some of their winter styles are also purported to support those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. They feature arch support and are firm but flexible, making them a great choice for your optimal winter footwear needs!
With this list of podiatrist-recommended winter footwear, you’re sure to step strong all winter long!
At City Step Podiatry, we understand Chicago winters and what you need to keep warm, safe, and active all season long. Come see us to get personalized support and recommendations from Dr. Young. She’ll be happy to assess your unique footwear needs and offer her expert advice to pick the best styles for you.
You can also inquire about our custom orthotics, which can transform any winter footwear into a personalized experience of comfort and support.
Whatever your podiatry needs, City Step Podiatry has got you covered! Our convenient downtown Chicago location, flexible scheduling, and wide array of state-of-the-art treatments and services can help you live your best, most active life in every season!
Book with us easily online, learn more about us, and check out our blog for free insight and info about all things podiatry!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
